Of course, shower floor tiles should be durable and easy to clean, especially in crowded homes, but that shouldn’t stop them from being stylish either.
Shower flooring materials are many and varied, ranging from funky vinyl to luxurious materials like solid marble. Be aware, although they are bound to add an air of elegance, many natural stone floors will need an element of maintenance to keep bathroom ideas and shower room ideas looking their best.
bathroom floor tile ideas
Some shower floor tiles are only suitable for walls and not floors, some materials are not suitable for bathroom flooring ideas because they may be damaged by frequent contact with water or be too slippery, and some are not suitable for underfloor heating. The golden rule? Always check with your supplier before purchasing.
1. Use bathroom floor tiles to create a colorful effect
(Photo credit: Victoria + Albert Baths)
“Color can make a big impact in the shower room,” says Emma Joyce, EMEA Brand Director, Victoria + Albert Baths. (Opens in a new tab). For those who want to make a statement, choose a bold contrasting color on a bathtub and freestanding tub to contrast with the lighter tiles or walls. In reverse, dark paint or tiles paired with a crisp white bathroom make the bathroom the hero.
Contrary to popular belief, this can work very well in small bathroom ideas, as a darker color can actually make a room appear larger.
2. Create a memorable space with decorative tiles
(Photo credit: Hub of the House Studio / Meghan Bob Photography)
says Karen Harautuneian, lead designer at the Hub of the Hub of the Studio House (Opens in a new tab)
3. Dazzle with a bold monochromatic scheme
(Image credit: Living With Lolo/Life Created)
To craft a truly impactful look, create contrast. Decorating in contrasting colors can be tricky, but to the naked eye, this bold duo of color can be used to create beautifully balanced interiors.
Lauren Lerner, founder and lead designer at Living with Lolo says: (Opens in a new tab). “Using black and white in unexpected ways like shower floor tiles keeps the color combination feeling fresh.”
4. Use the small mosaic on the bathroom floor
(Image credit: Waterworks)
Mosaic allows you to create flexible shower floor tile ideas, and is especially useful for creating shower bench ideas that are functional and free from sharp edges.
“Playing with the scale is really important if you want to create an interesting space,” says Jennifer Ebert, digital editor, Homes & Gardens. “Using smaller mosaic tiles on the shower floor with larger rectangular designs on the walls, but in the same color palette would definitely create a stylish shower room.”
5. Go to a specific tile design to make a statement
(Image credit: BC Designs / Darren Chung)
‘Small bathroom tiles are a great choice for wet room ideas,’ says Barry Cutchie, design director at BC Designs, ‘as they are easy to place in a slope toward the drain hole which is very important in the practicalities of a wet room’. (Opens in a new tab). “It also means that by using smaller floor tiles, you can continue the flow from the other bathroom floor in the bathroom.”
“This continuous line helps make the space appear larger because it’s cleaner and less cluttered without dividing small spaces.”
6. Use shower floor tiles to mark specific areas
(Photo credit: Mandarin Stone)
Using color and design to divide different areas of the bathroom is a great concept, especially if your bathroom is on the larger side.
“In this bathroom, herringbone tile design cleverly merges the two areas and creates an eye-catching design, says Louisa Morgan, creative director of Mandarin Stone. (Opens in a new tab)
7. Use the same floor tiles on the walls for a cohesive look
(Image credit: Drummonds)
“Inspired by Moroccan baths, the wet room, designed to be one of the main wow factors in Malta’s Balluta Building apartments, an Art Nouveau jewel, puts classic Drummonds bathroom fixtures center stage,” says James Lentaigne, Creative Director at Drummonds. (Opens in a new tab).
A pair of large, floor-mounted shower tubes make a dramatic statement within the space. Classic fixtures soften the room’s masculine feel while the brushed brass finish provides a warm balance to the geometric tiles and vibrant green that adorn the walls and floor.
8. Choose terrazzo for a permanent shower layout
(Photo credit: Mandarin Stone)
Large shaped porcelain tiles, ‘Jagger Light Gray’ are continued from wall to floor to create a smooth surface which makes this shower room appear larger.
Luisa Morgan, Creative Director of Mandarin Stone explains: (Opens in a new tab).
When you’re laying bathroom floor tiles in a wet room like this, it’s worth making sure that the subfloor is moistened slightly to ensure good drainage and that the tile grout is 100% weatherproof to ensure no water. On her way to the room below.
9. Use a thin floor design to contrast with the large-format wall tiles
(Image credit: Future/Mark Bolton)
Using scale in interior design can add instant impact and drama to a scheme—and it’s definitely an interior design tip worth knowing when designing a bathroom or shower space.
‘It’s always beneficial to play at scale because it can trick the eye in your favor if your shower space is tight,’ says Melanie Griffiths, editor, Period Living. “Using a smaller tile design on the floor will give the bathroom a decorative feel, especially if the wall tiles are large.”
10. Create a spa-like feel with alabaster porcelain tiles
(Image credit: Base Interior)
Creating the ultimate spa bathroom ideas is all about using basic materials for your floors.
‘We love this walk in shower,’ says Melanie Griffiths—the textured wall contrasting with ultra-smooth colored porcelain tiles creates a soothing feel. Choosing a shade lighter than the walls ensures that this space doesn’t look too dark.
What types of floor tiles are suitable for a shower?
When it comes to shower floor tile ideas, it is important to consider what type of tile is most suitable for bathrooms and showers.
Family bathrooms with a lot of traffic will be better served by porcelain or ceramic, which are good choices for non-slip bathroom floors. While natural stone can look amazing – book-matched marble or rough limestone is a great choice for shower cubicle ideas for example – they will need regular maintenance to keep them in good condition.
Attractive, durable alternatives include composite materials such as Silestone or Caesarstone or vinyl from companies such as Amtico that can provide the look of a natural material or laminated tile without the labor it would take to keep it clean.
One of the biggest dangers in the shower room is the risk of slipping. Mike Zergami, a designer at Bathwaters, agrees that “once you spray water, surfaces can become slippery.” “Choose shower floor tiles with a honed, anti-slip surface or opt for an alternative to vinyl or rubber flooring that can also bring some welcoming color to the family shower room.”